What to do and see in Chugoku, Chugoku: The Best Sights & Landmarks

May 15, 2022 Kelli Reichel

Discover the best top things to do in Chugoku, Japan including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Matsue Castle, Miyajima, Izumo Grand Shrine, Kintaikyo Bridge, Tottori Sand Dunes, Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda, Old Shizutani School.
Restaurants in Chugoku

1. Itsukushima Shrine

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0588 Hiroshima Prefecture +81 829-44-2020 http://www.itsukushimajinja.jp/
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,503 reviews

Itsukushima Shrine

The famous shrine built on stilts with its torii gate set in the sea.

Reviewed By Sparkie09 - Goa, India

Was such an experience visiting this shrine in Miyajima...walking through the path and an old gate and the sight of the floating Tori gate in the sea and the temple itself on stilts...to beat the high tides.

2. Atomic Bomb Dome

1-10 Otemachi Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051 Hiroshima Prefecture +81 82-242-7831 [email protected] https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/english/9742.html
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,989 reviews

Atomic Bomb Dome

This skeleton of a building is all that remains in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945, and serves as a symbol of both the horrors of atomic war and the hope for world peace.

Reviewed By Livetotravel747 - Coombabah, Australia

The Atomic Bomb Dome is a well maintained piece of history that should be visited by everyone. It is preserved also for future generations. Words cannot describe this place, just have to go for yourself

3. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Hommachi, Kurashiki 710-0054 Okayama Prefecture +81 86-426-3030 [email protected] http://www.city.kurashiki.okayama.jp/6219.htm
Excellent
46%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,719 reviews

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Reviewed By TailG79 - Los Angeles, United States

Old Town Kurashiki is Beautiful!!! 15 min walk from Kurashiki Station. You can also take a bus for about ¥210. Great as a half day trip from Okayama (30-40 mins by train). Super easy to get to. Walk along the river and enjoy the scenery. Old Town has many great shops and food stalls. Was full of beautiful ladies in their kimonos taking photos. Absolutely stunning! You can also find different themed cafes like the owl cafe and cat cafe. They also have other animal theme cafes.

4. Matsue Castle

1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue 690-0887 Shimane Prefecture +81 852-21-4030 [email protected] https://www.matsue-castle.jp/
Excellent
44%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,499 reviews

Matsue Castle

Matsue symbol Matsue Castle is said to be one of the national treasures and one of the only orthodox towers among the 12 towers that exist throughout the country. Matsue Castle can be proud, please enjoy.

Reviewed By jeffreygalino - Hiroshima, Japan

If you are into history and culture, you should visit this castle. The structure is still in its original form. It looks unique compared to other Japanese castles for its black color. Discounted ticket price is given to foreigners. A panoramic view of Matsue City is seen from top.

5. Miyajima

Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi 738-8501 Hiroshima Prefecture +81 829-30-9141 http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/en/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,815 reviews

Miyajima

Scenic site that includes the Itsukushima Shrine, Otorii Gate and visit to Mt. Misen.

Reviewed By iluv2eatntravel - San Diego, United States

It is nearly impossible to humanly describe the magnitude of what fascinating Miyajima island can offer - one has to experience it first hand. Definitely should be at the top of the list of any visit to Hiroshima. Please plan ahead as you would need a minimum of at least half a day as it should be enjoyed in a unhurried manner. It just seems that time slowed down on the island. If you can, go early and stay late. The island itself is amazingly explorable. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. The buildings, especially the Itsukushima Shine with its gigantic ‘floating’ torii gate and nearby temples and pagodas have beautiful architectures that blends into the natural surroundings of sea, lush forests, and the misty Mount Misen. Wild and friendly deers roam its street freely. The residents of Miyajima were super friendly. Miyajima’s quaint town is filled with rustic buildings of shops and restaurants. Seafood served in the restaurants were delicious especially the grilled oysters freshly harvested in local waters. There are also some very scenic (potentially challenging) hiking trails up Mt Misen. If time is of the essence, and you are not able to hike the entire elevation of Mt Misen, take the ropeway up to near the top and then hike the rest of the way to the summit for some spell binding views at 1755 feet.

6. Izumo Grand Shrine

195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo 699-0701 Shimane Prefecture +81 853-53-3100 http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,114 reviews

Izumo Grand Shrine

Reviewed By HotRodHeart - France, null

Being one of the oldest and most revered shrine in Japan, you will feel the history of the place as you walk to the shrine and around. Look at the Japanese people to avoid little mistakes, like walking on the path reserved for the gods, etc... It's super countryside, so shops and restaurants close very early, and transportation is scarce. So plan ahead. English is not widespread neither. If you have a chance, follow the way toward the sea from the shrine (the one used for the annual event) , and enjoy a breathtaking sunset ;)

7. Kintaikyo Bridge

1 Iwakuni, Iwakuni 741-0062 Yamaguchi Prefecture +81 827-29-5107 http://kintaikyo.iwakuni-city.net
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,175 reviews

Kintaikyo Bridge

Reviewed By YPDChan - Singapore, Singapore

The combination of the historic Kintaikyo bridge, Iwakuni Castle and the scenic surroundings make this a wonderful and easy half day trip from Hakata. The combination ticket consisting of crossing the bridge, ropeway to/from Iwakuni Castle and the castle admission ticket is well worth the cost. It was difficult to find the bus timetables online so I have included some photos for easy reference. Plan your journey carefully and you can even get on the Hello Kitty shinkansen from Shin-Iwakuni, which was what we managed to do. Also, make sure to have exact change for the bus tickets or at most 1000yen notes to change using the coin machine in the bus.

8. Tottori Sand Dunes

2164-661 Yuyama, Fukubecho, Tottori 689-0105 Tottori Prefecture https://www.pref.tottori.lg.jp/sakyujimusho/
Excellent
42%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,468 reviews

Tottori Sand Dunes

Reviewed By Kevinkai - Osaka, Japan

There is an amazing sand dunes that you can climb and then enjoy the whole view of sea. Also an oasis is beside it so you can see some beautiful plants and flowers.

9. Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda

7-1 Kozan-cho, Yamaguchi 753-0081 Yamaguchi Prefecture +81 83-922-2409 http://yamaguchi-city.jp/details/aa_ruri_tou.html
Excellent
56%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 456 reviews

Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda

Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan

I live not far from Yamaguchi and have visited the Pagoda and Temple for the first time. The Pagoda is considered one of Japan's great Pagoda's. The layout is beautiful with the pond in front and hills in the background. You can really get some amazing photos here. I want to come back during each season to see the Pagoda and surrounding nature. Walk around the park and temple to get other views of the pagoda. If in Yamaguchi Prefecture, make the Ruriko Five Story Pagoda a must see!

10. Old Shizutani School

784 Shizutani, Bizen 705-0036 Okayama Prefecture +81 869-67-1436 http://shizutani.jp
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Old Shizutani School

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.